Wednesday, December 30, 2009

AMW Reviews: MAC MSF in Dark

I've been searching for a back up contouring powder just in case I ran out of the limited edition MAC Sculpting Powder . My requirement? Something non-shimmery, natural-looking and readily available to purchase (no no to limited editions!)

Have I found the one?

Before you further react, this is not meant to be just a contouring powder, MAC's Mineralized Skin Finish Natural is multi-purpose and it really depends on the user on what you plan to do with it! :)

MAC MSF SkinFinish Natural in Dark says ---

A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day.

Ingredients: (you can click photo to enlarge)

AMW says ---

Pros

multi-purpose: can be used as setting powder for darker skintone, used as contour powder or blush/bronzer

lightweight

product lasts a long time!

since this is "baked", it never gets cakey and gives out a really soft, natural finish

Cons

applying too much may turn out quite "orangey" <--- be careful

because of the "dome" shape, the powder if very delicate

no mirror that comes with this

powder tends to fly everywhere when you swirl using a denser brush, product wastage

Overall

Matte yet gives a bit of a sheen finish, that's the best description I can give for the MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural Line. I have purchased this mainly for contouring but I find this a bit too "rusty" for my NC20 skintone, I think this will go perfectly for NC30-35 skintone. I've used this to give a bit of healthy glow all over my face on days that I feel like I need the "color", but using the right type of brush is very crucial for products like this!

Tips

depending on your preferred usage, always test on different brushes to find the "perfect match"

to achieve a nice healthy glow, apply lightly on areas that the sun naturally hit your face with a stippling brush for "softer" dimension

prefer more coverage: wet your sponge or spritz your brush with water

to prevent product from flying everywhere, I prefer using a "dab dab" method rather than a swirling method

NEVER drop this!

Will I repurchase?

I purchased my MAC SkinFinish MSF Light last March and I use it daily, I've hit the pan (just in the middle) but still have a lot left, since I bought this only for contouring, this may last LONGER. Not sure if I'll repurchase this within the year!

Where to purchase and how much?

At MAC store for Php1,600 (approx $34.78). I purchased mine cheaper from a blogsale! Thanks Hedley!

Let me give you a closer look

to the MAC MSF Natural in DARK

On pan

I know contouring is not really for everyday, but if you do, have you finally found "zee contouring powder" that works so well for you? I'd love to know!

Hi Nikki, how are you??Ive missed your blog much during my holiday :D Ive been thinking lately to start trying contour my face, but as you said, it's not for everyday, so Im still undecided...but I got darker from Bali so this MAC might be suitable for my skin now hahahabtw, Im still away so I havent had a news about the parcel. but I will let you know once Im back> the tracking number you gave me doesnt specify the location of the item, I tried to check.

yay! I love contouring! I do it everyday. I'm NC30-35, and the MAC MA also recommended this MSF for me when I returned the dsquared Accentuate & Sculpt duo (which did not show up at all! >:( ) But I found Dark too burnt orange. It makes me look tan, which I don't want.

MAC Coquette e/s works sometimes, if you don't mind the slightly olive tone. I've also tried Bobbi Brown Cement, a pinkish grey-taupe. I also use various matte brown eyeshadows.. I was lemming for NARS Zen or Benefit Hoola, but they're always out of stock in my Sephora, so I gave up on those. So far, what works best for me is a powder foundation a few shades darker (Palladio in Rich Mocha). I just use a sponge on the cheeks, jaw and nose. Cheaper, too. :)